Manuel Pellegrini calls on Manchester City defence to improve and halt 'easy' goals

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has expressed an already apparent passion for fluent attacking football, but feels his side must eradicate a tendency to concede 'easy' goals.

The 60-year-old explained that one of the key reasons why he took the role at the Etihad was due to the club's commitment to playing attacking and complete football.

Indeed, City have hit a staggering 59 Premier League goals in 21 games this term.

Pellegrini, 60, told The Sunday Times: “The most important reason I came here was because Manchester City wanted to play the way I wanted, not just attacking football but complete football. Attacking, yes, but trying to defend also and have possession.”

But the Chilean was keen to stress that despite boasting an impressively potent offensive line this season, City still need to tighten up their defence and avoid conceding soft goals.

“Everyone talks about the goals we score but it’s important we do not concede. There are a lot of matches where we have conceded ‘easy’ goals and we must continue to improve that aspect.”